NEWS / Northern Irish rock musician and guitarist ERIC BELL, best known as a founding member and the original guitarist of the rock group Thin Lizzy to release his new studio album "Exile" on February 26, 2016 via On The Edge/Cargo Records. UK tour in Feb/March and The Eric Bell Trio just confirmed to play June 11 at Sweden Rock Festival 2016.

​When you’ve co-founded one of the most successful bands in Irish history, written one of the best-loved guitar riffs of all time and had the British Prime Minister claim he listens to your songs when he “needs a lift” (which, let’s face it, must be quite often), it would be easy to put your feet up, sit back and bask in the glory of a successful career in music.

Or you could just keep on working like legendary blues guitarist and Thin Lizzy founder member, Eric Bell, who has just finished recording his first studio album in more than six years.

Exile, the first collection of new material since 2009’s Lonely Nights in London, was recorded at Edge Recording Studios, a converted barn in Cheshire. Basic, homely and unpretentious, what the studio lacks in corporate frills, it more than makes up for in pedigree. Owned by renowned sound engineer John Delf, who works with some of the globe’s biggest bands, including Five Seconds of Summer, Plan B and The Script, and run by Mark Winterburn, one of the UK’s top studio engineers, it offered the back-to-basics, artist-led approach that Eric needed to tempt him back into the studio.

Lyrically, the new album covers a lot of ground; some songs reflect the difficult times in Eric’s life, others explore universal themes of love, fatherhood and loss. Some were penned many years ago, lying dormant as if waiting to be brought to life, some were written very recently. There’s even a cover of a rock ‘n’ roll standard.

Although Eric didn’t start out as a songwriter, working alongside Phil Lynott in Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison in Them and Dave Clark in the Noel Redding Band allowed him to see the songwriting process up close and gave him the confidence to find his own writing style.

“This album reflects the music I like to play and listen to, so that’s what I’d say, “I’m trying to cover the whole spectrum of music.”

NEWS / SOTO, featuring vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, has completed their 2nd studio album, ‘DIVAK’, to be released on April 1st 2016.

‘DIVAK’ (pronounced dee-vock) comes shortly after the debut release ‘Inside The Vertigo’, a mere 15 months partly due to Jeff Scott Soto’s insistence on continuing to create and build a true brand for his new venture. Once again the album is produced by Jeff Scott Soto and drummer, Edu Cominato, mixed by long time JSS engineer/associate, John Ellis.

The band features Soto on vocals, Cominato on drums, lead guitarist Jorge Salan, bassist David Z and keyboardist/guitarist BJ. The guys are heavily featured on ‘DIVAK’ with their writing contributions together.

The 1st single “FreakShow” was co-produced/written by Tony Dickinson, who also co-wrote “The Fall”, (the 1st single released from ‘Inside The Vertigo’), the track is an extension of the SOTO sound created especially for this new band.

SOTO will debut live during Feb 2016 with a string of East Coast US dates leading into the annual Monsters Of Rock Cruise (East) alongside Steve Vai, Extreme, Queensryche and countless headliners. In April, the band makes its European debut with a short run through selected cities and countries. The month of May sees SOTO touring Latin America, which includes dates in Brazil supporting The Winery Dogs.

SOTO, formed in 2014, is the dream band created when Jeff Scott Soto realized how much he missed the ‘heavier side’ of his career after fronting artists Yngwie Malmsteen, Talisman, Journey and even his own solo albums. The band hope to continue its construction as a driving force in today’s Hard Rock & Metal scene.

​NEWS / Los Angeles, CA - They shot across the ‘70s night sky, all flashing lights and roaring engines, streaking through Japan and Germany (where they abducted 18-year old Scorpion guitarist Michael Schenker) before descending on the UK and eventually American shores with a series of brilliant hard rock singles including “Lights Out,” “Too Hot To Handle,” “Doctor Doctor,” “Only You Can Rock Me” and many more now ubiquitous radio staples. Though Schenker would depart in 1978, the rest of the band including founding members vocalist Phil Mogg, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker alongside lead guitarist Paul Chapman retooled their spaceship and carried on into the early ‘80s dropping such influential classics as No Place To Run, The Wild, The Willing & The Innocent, and Mechanix.

Now, comes Live Sightings, a magnificent 4CD box set featuring vintage live performances from the early ‘80s that finds Mogg & Co. blasting through highlights from those 3 crucial records such as “No Place To Run,” “Lonely Heart,” and “We Belong To The Night,” and seamlessly blending them in with the group’s more well-known spawn. Boasting 4CDs each in its own mini jacket with printed inner sleeve, this extraordinary box set also features a lavish 12”x12” 16-page booklet with full color photos and extensive liner notes plus two carefully duplicated printings of vintage tour programs. There’s even a special bonus live LP from 1972 of the only known recordings of guitarist Larry Wallis (Pink Fairies / Motörhead)! Fans of UFO and early hard rock will not want to miss this incredible piece of music history. Launch date is February 5 courtesy of Cleopatra Records!

DISC 2: Chicago 19811. The Wild, The Willing & The Innocent2. Only You Can Rock Me3. Long Gone4. Lonely Heart5. Cherry 6. No Place to Run 7. Love to Love8. Making Moves9. Mystery Train 10. Too Hot to Handle11. Lights Out 12. Rock Bottom13. Doctor Doctor

DISC 3: St Louis 19821. We Belong to the Night2. Let It Rain3. Long Gone 4. No Place to Run5. The Wild, The Willing & The Innocent6. Only You Can Rock Me7. Terri 8. Making Moves 9. Doing It All For You10. Too Hot To Handle 11. Lights Out12. Mystery Train

DISC 4: Cleveland 19821. We Belong To The Night2. Let It Rain3. Long Gone4. The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent5. Only You Can Rock Me6. Terri 7. Doing It All For You8. Too Hot to Handle9. Lights Out

Philadelphia, PA (USA) – Often called America's answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970's before disappearing for a number of years. 2016 marks the 44th anniversary of BANG's critically acclaimed debut album and the band is celebrating with a major European tour! This will be the very first tour of Europe for the legendary power trio, which will take them through the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark. Sweden, Spain and Portugal!

Says lead vocalist and bassist Frank Ferrera, “BANG is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play in front of our European fans...this will be our 1st time overseas and we're excited to share our music with you...”

To listen/download BANG's “Questions”: https://soundcloud.com/glass-onyon-pr/bang-questions/s-laZgISays Frank Ferrara, “Needing one more song for the BANG album...we had Questions....our producer didn't think the song was strong enough to be on the record... we disagreed and convinced him to add it to the BANG album...Lo and behold it became our first single....it goes to show that sometimes the "BAND" knows best....”

The 1971 self-titled debut album 'BANG' is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest 'proto-metal' bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band's versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Back in the spring of 1972, BANG was shaping up to be the proverbial 'next big thing'. Signed a few months earlier to Capitol Records, the band's first single “Questions” was taking off in the Billboard Hot 100. With the enthusiastic support of their record label, the trio's self-titled debut album was also climbing in the charts. The group's management had them opening shows for just about every major band of the era. Moreover, BANG had recently opened for their all time favorite band Black Sabbath, and by common consensus of opinion, stole the show! With two band members, guitarist Frank Gilcken and lead singer/bassist Frank Ferrara, still in their teens, and drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio, BANG seemed to be unstoppable!

Somehow, though, it didn't quite work out. Even as “Questions” was charting, a corporate shakeup at Capitol saw the band's supporters moving on and replaced by A&R men who had their own signings to promote. With the band's producer, Michael Sunday, also leaving the label, BANG's support system was crumbling. Their new producer engineered a change in personnel that led to drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio’s departure. Meanwhile, the label insisted that BANG develop a more mainstream, pop oriented sound. Trying to keep the dream alive, they changed management companies. With a much more commercial approach, the group released a 3rd album, 'BANG Music' in 1973, which, although did contain some great songs and performances, failed to chart. By 1974, just a couple of years after their initial success, a tired and disillusioned BANG had lost their direction, momentum and self-belief. They went their separate ways.

Despite the relative briefness of their career, BANG left behind a powerful recorded legacy: four albums, including their unreleased 1971 concept album 'Death Of A Country', as well as a trio of non-album tracks that were recorded as singles when their deal with Capitol was about to expire. In 1996, much to everyone's surprise, BANG reunited! The band recorded and released in 1998 a new album titled 'Return To Zero', with the more metal-oriented album titled 'The Maze' (featuring new versions of old favorites “Love Sonnet” and “Bow To The King”) following in 2004, proving once again that the band still had the magic that made them great back in the early 70's!

And now, much to the excitement of their fans, BANG will be performing live in Europe in 2016! Says Frank Ferrara, “The three of us realized that BANG was still a musical force. And even though a lot of years have passed, we were writing songs as if it were yesterday. The dream is alive, and with renewed thirst and love of the music, we are resuming our quest.” With drummer Jake Leger, and the Franks, the band will remain a three piece, sounding just like the records!

Finnish label Svart Records is re-releasing Bang's 4 classic records: Death of a Country, Bang, Mother/Bow to the King , Music Album. They are being re-pressed on both vinyl and CD and will be available early 2016. http://www.svartrecords.com/

Los Angeles – Alternative rock ensemble Lunden Reign's debut album “American Stranger” was released in March 2015 to critical acclaim across the globe. Along with a multitude of positive reviews worldwide, the album received multiple “Best Album/Song of the Year” Awards in 2015!

“We are truly appreciative and flattered by all the incredible interviews, reviews and airplay we’ve received for our debut album, 'American Stranger',” says band leaders Nikki Lunden & Laura Espinoza-Lunden.? “Now ?we are so humbled and appreciative that 'American Stranger' is ?making multiple music magazines year-end top album and song lists?! THANK YOU to those that are helping to support and showcase Lunden Reign's music and messages to the world!”

Bloody Good Music?'s?? ?Top Ten Albums of the Year – New York“Not many bands begin their career with a concept album, but that's what Lunden Reign did here, and the result is an album that brings the classic Heart sound to a new generation. This is a tightly-wound album of classic rock that features some glorious guitar tones, and well-crafted songs all around. Concept album can also get bogged down in the gimmick, but that doesn't happen here, as the album can be taken on face value as a bunch of top-notch rock songs that feel both fresh and timeless. It's the kind of record that's easy to overlook, but well worth the effort to give it a try. The only thing I can't speak to is the story of the record, as I was only sent a download without any of the lyrics or liner notes.”http://www.bloodygoodmusic.tk/2015/12/the-top-ten-albums-of-2015.html

Bloody Good Music?'s? Top 12 Songs of the Year “Mary” – New York“This is classic rock done the right way. It sounds like the love child of Heart and Led Zeppelin, and rocks just as much. The way the vocal strains just enough in the chorus drives home the emotion of the song, while the hook has a way of sticking with you more than you'd expect.”http://www.bloodygoodmusic.tk/2015/12/the-top-twelve-songs-of-2015.html

Highwire Daze Magazine #9 Top Albums of 2015 – Hollywood, CAThe band has an interview in the 25th Anniversary print version which includes the top 10 listing and features photos by rock photographer Jack Lue.

AKADEMIA MUSIC AWARDS “Best Alt Rock Album” – Hollywood, CA In July, 2015, “American Stranger” was Voted “Best Alt Rock Album” by AKADEMIA MUSIC AWARDS (Hollywood, CA). “Lunden Reign’s album ‘American Stranger’ has all the compositional invention and production competence required for radio greatness – and a frayed emotional filament that travels deep in the hinterlands of true art, as well.”

Says Nikki and Laura, “We believe 2016 for Lunden Reign is going to be an even more incredible year! We are already back in the studio creating our 2nd album 'Confessions' and once-again teaming with platinum-selling producer co-writer Luis Maldonado (producer and co-writer of 'American Stranger'. We also hope to be performing in more festivals around the country this summer and crossing our fingers for increased airplay of our songs. FYI, watch for us as we will be in the audience of the 58th Annual Grammy Awards! Next year we hope we will be on the stage as well! Thank you all for you support!”

The band will be headlining at the legendary Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles on Saturday February 6th! (http://www.whiskyagogo.com/site/event/lunden-reign/) Already some of rock's legends have joined Lunden Reign on stage including TERRI NUNN of BERLIN, PRESCOTT NILES of THE KNACK and DALE BOZZIO of MISSING PERSONS. Some of these performances are available on YouTube.

Lunden Reign is composed of two core members: Nikki Lunden (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Composer) and Laura Espinoza-Lunden (Guitar/Composer). Producer Luis Maldonado joins as guitarist on select shows and the duo tours with some of LA’s top musicians including: Matt Denis (bass) & Matt Lucich (drums). Lunden Reign's music is described as 'Big Beat Alternative Rock' or 'Modern Classic Rock'. Some say it's the signature album for “ROCK's REBIRTH”. The band's debut concept album “American Stranger” was released on Cleopatra Records March 17, 2015 and began receiving world-wide critical acclaim almost immediately. The 10 original songs are scored with layers of haunting melodies, uplifting guitar riffs blended with a sharp edge and a massive beat.

Here's what's being said about Lunden Reign:

Dale Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons): “'American Stranger' is a masterpiece! Every song is great!”

Terri Nunn (lead singer of Berlin): “Laura is a great songwriter and musician. I listened to (American Stranger) a couple of times. My favorites are 'LOVE IN FREE FALL,' 'HEAR ME' and 'THE LIGHT.' I loved the passion of 'HEAR ME' …that’s my most favorite one.”

Prescott Niles (The Knack): “Every so many years an album comes out that redefines modern music. 'AMERICAN STRANGER' is that next album. Today the cycle goes full with a long-awaited return to music that touches the soul and embraces the test of time.”

Candice Marshall (BongoBoy TV 6-15) “This is the kind of (video) I would wait up all night for as a young girl with shows like 'Saturday Night Videos' and eventually, 'MTV'. They are quickly becoming a favorite in my collection!”

Gary Brown (ClassicRockRadio.co.uk) “…For a modern rock band publicly described as being, big beat / alternative rock, I decided what we have here is a new rock band with an appreciation for the rock and roll before them. Touching on old school vibes, yet emitting their own fresh, and unique sound.”

Chris C. (Bloody Good Music NY 3.18.15) “'American Stranger' is a strong outing for a debut album, and a needed statement to redefine the ways we see women in rock music.... Lunden Reign defies expectations, and they've made a strong case for themselves. 'American Stranger' is a fantastic example of modern classic rock.”

NEWS / Rock legend Alice Cooper was shocked to the core over the Paris terrorist attacks, and hopes that mankind never just accepts senseless killings.

When Alice, real name Vincent Damon Furnier, rose to fame in the late '60s, he was known for his shocking onstage antics. It was a time when rock and roll ruled, and the stars of the day tried to be over the top with their performances. However, these days it's the world around him that often shocks the 67-year-old. The terrorist attacks on Paris in November (15) really troubled Alice, especially the shooting at the Eagles of Death Metal concert.

"(I'm shocked) all the time," Alice admitted to Q magazine. "Especially at the Paris thing. You know, rock'n'roll's not shocking at all. Though I guess we shocked audiences pretty easily in the '70s: here's a guy with a girl's name with snakes and make-up and blood and guillotines... yeah, they were well and truly shocked. But I hope we never get over the shock of somebody going into a concert and killing a bunch of people for no reason. It's not a religious or political thing. It's just a bunch of guys who want to kill people. That's shocking."

Alice also opened up to the magazine about past bar brawls he's been involved in, and his dislike of his cell phone. When asked about the last thing he thinks about before drifting off to sleep, Alice shed some light on his dreams.

"I try to find that moment where you drift between consciousness and unconsciousness," he explained. "I'm always having adventure dreams where I'm James Bond and I'm in total control of a situation which in real life I wouldn't be." (BRIN: Music-News)

NEWS / Rock legends Lucifer’s Friend reformed in 2015, some 20+ years after they were last together. LIVE @ SWEDEN ROCK 2015 captures the band’s performance on the 4 Sound Stage on Friday 5th June 2015 as the HEADLINE act. The set list includes the band’s greatest hits from the 1970s plus songs from the recently released ‘Awakening’ title.

Lucifer's Friend formed in 1970 with their influential and groundbreaking self-titled album, famous album among connoisseurs of 70's hard rock. Its heavy and majestic overtones made it a pioneer release of progressive rock genre.

The group went on to release six albums in that decade. In 1976 Lucifer's Friend suffered a hard blow when British vocalist John Lawton jumped ship for none other than Uriah Heep. The band broke up in 1982 and briefly reformed in 1994 for their ninth album “Sumo Grip”. Now they're back, after 20 years, literally by the fans' request…

“This being only the second live concert since our reformation, we were all of course a bit nervous. However the crowd made us more than welcome and after the first few notes, the adrenalin kicked in and we were up and running. To play Sweden Rock Festival...one of the biggest festivals on the circuit was for us a great honour and one which we will hopefully repeat. This live album represents the band in full flow and with a new studio album planned in 2016, we hope to go on 'Riding The Sky'” - John Lawton

NEWS / Motley Crue ended their career just short of 35 years after it began with a final show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Not long into the show, lead singer Vince Neil said "This is the last time you’ll see the four of us. Back in 1981 you got four teenagers roaming the streets of Hollywood, eating, drinking, smoking, f---ing. And here we f---ing are, 34 years later." He then got choked up and had to turn around for a few seconds before saying "Most of all, I want to thank you motherf---ers for coming out and spending New Year’s Eve with us. Now let’s get to the music."

Their set included many of the fan's favorites and very little change from the shows over the year-and-a-half of the final tour although the order was in pretty constant flux. They opened with Girls, Girls, Girls on the final night but ended with the song they had been using all tour, Home Sweet Home.

Only one thing out of the ordinary happened with Tommy Lee's drums getting suspended upside down, with Lee attached, during his drum solo. The crew had to climb up the roller coaster to get Lee down and things working again.

The set list:

Main Set

Girls Girls Girls (from Girls Girls Girls, 1987)

Wild Side (from Girls Girls Girls, 1987)

Primal Scream (from Decade of Decadence, 1991)

Same Ol’ Situation (from Dr Feelgood, 1989)

Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) (from Dr Feelgood, 1989)

Smokin’ In The Boys Room (from Theater of Pain, 1985)

Looks That Kill (from Shout At The Devil, 1983)

Mutherfucker of the Year (from Saints of Los Angeles, 2008)

Anarchy In The UK (from Decade of Decadence, 1991)

Shout At The Devil (from Shout At The Devil, 1983)

Louder Than Hell (from Theater of Pain, 1985)

Drum Solo

Guitar Solo

Saints of Los Angeles (from Saints of Los Angeles, 2008)

Live Wire (from Too Fast For Love, 1981)

Dr. Feelgood (from Dr Feelgood, 1989)

Kickstart My Heart (from Dr Feelgood, 1989)

Encore

Home Sweet Home (from Theater of Pain, 1985)

A concert film, with a mix of their shows from the final run at the Staples Center, will be released in the future. (Bron: Music News)